"Thrift Stores" and Charities

[SplashsMom]

This little scenario occurred at one of my thrift's morning staff meetings:

The manager proposed we color-code a series of shelves in accordance with the gay pride flag and label each shelf with the meaning of its color.

OK- I am in the middle of (very small town) hick WI but spent too many years in the "burbs" of Chicago so I should know better.
What are the meanings of the colors?

You will always have people who will go out of their way to patronize a store that supports a cause, even if they would never shop there if it was just a resale or "generic" thrift, and you will have people who will avoid a store based on its affiliations.
I think the management of the store needs to stand for their beliefs and mission. If color coding is a way to express your mission, go for it.

I wish I knew more about how the funds from our local charity thrifts actually do funnel down to help real people.
Personally I know that our Vinnies helps pay heating bills and supliments medical costs for deserving persons.
But what Goodwill does, other than hire some people without any experience, I have no idea. What other programs do they sponsor?
No one in the store could tell me either.

Do all Goodwill stores help in the same ways?

[Thrift Envy]

What are the meanings of the colors?

The first rainbow flag was created in '78 by San Fransisco artist, Gilbert Baker. It had eight stripes: pink (sexuality), red (life), orange (healing), yellow (sunlight), green (nature), turquoise (magic), indigo/blue (serenity), and violet (spirit).

[el rojo grande]

Here is the official word from Goodwill on what they do:

http://www.goodwill.org/page/guest/about/whatwedo

This discussion is interesting. Who knew it would lead to such strong opinions.

I think we can all/mostly agree that a store that claims a charitable affiliation really should be able to document that claim. Other than that I agree with the others that
thrifting, no matter what the store, provides:

fun recreation
recycling opportunities
museums in which you can handle objects
opportunities for socializing
fun and quirky clothes and home decor
serious finds on a budget
a way to shake your fist at the clothes houses, and fashion trend setters
and of course the fun of finding  "that thing you always wanted, and never thought you would find".

Keep on thrifting!

[valleythriftshopper]

I love how I am always learning something new from shopping at thrifts.  I am a big fan of vintage Gurley novelty candles.  I picked up a large Christmas tree candle that looked like a Gurley at the food bank thrift today for 50 cents.  It had a Tavern candle label on the bottom.  After looking it up I learned that Tavern candles were made in the 30's & 40's and became Gurley in the 1950's, I never heard of Tavern before.  And it only cost me 50 cents for the history lesson!

[Lcmsa]

Well, just a question, My church thrift store gives clothing away to people in need, we also sell it to people who can afford it. (low cost to everyone) The money that is made supports our church and its activities (ie, food pantry and other things). We sell our salvage to a company who resells it to 3rd world people to support themselves.  what does everyone think about this? thanks LCMSA

[Good Buddy]

Sound like you're making the most of what you have going.
You could also sell your best items online to get the most revenue from the donation.

[valleythriftshopper]

Well, just a question, My church thrift store gives clothing away to people in need, we also sell it to people who can afford it. (low cost to everyone) The money that is made supports our church and its activities (ie, food pantry and other things). We sell our salvage to a company who resells it to 3rd world people to support themselves.  what does everyone think about this? thanks LCMSA

I would research the company you sell the salvage to, if you have not already.  There was a great documentary on PBS a few years back called T-shirt Travels http://www.pbs.org/independentlens/tshirttravels/
that explored the business of selling second clothing from the U.S. to 3rd world countries, in this case Zambia.  It can actually have a negative affect on the country and most of the profit goes to the middleman.  I am sure not all salvage companies operate this way, but I think many do.  It would be nice to have non-profit salvage companies to work with the charity thrift shops!

[Lcmsa]

Thanks valley thrift and Good buddy, as for our salvage guy we have looked at who he sell to and what he charges as far as we know he is ok. I actually saw that doc. on tv it was great. Alot of good info. We really try to have a nice shop and do the best we can. thanks LCMSA

[valleythriftshopper]

Good to know there are some reputable dealers out there. it is unbelievable to think some people would take advantage of the poorest countries to make money.  Your store sounds very nice, I mentioned in another post that I used to stop by a thrift store in my community even though I wasn't finding much there because the people were nice, it was well run, etc.  I think if you run a fair business people appreciate that and will do their best to help support it. 

[N1]

Nice....

[N1]

Good topioc...

[awesomevegan]

I feel that the shoppers and donators should research the stores if it bothers them if the store is for profit. Personally I don't care much either way. You are still supporting a good cause because someone in your community has a job because you shop there and you are recycling things that other people no longer want. Most of the clothing and many of the non-clothing items I own were thrifted. You can find amazing things and it is fun so it is worth doing whether the store is charity or for profit. I think that the stores should make that information easily accessible as well though

[N1]

Good information..